Cheesy Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is creamy, cheesy, full of tender chicken, mixed vegetables, with a crispy topping of golden brown tater tots. It’s the best weeknight comfort food when you want something easy, filling, and something the whole family will love. 

For another creamy chicken casserole recipe – and one of the most popular recipes on the blog – you have to try my Chicken Cobbler.

Easy Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

This easy tater tot casserole recipe is similar to classic Chicken Pot Pie but instead of a biscuit-like crust, it has a golden brown, crispy topping of tater tots. Underneath the layer of crispy toaster tops is a creamy sauce, tender shredded chicken, and frozen vegetables. 

Tater tot casseroles have been a staple in my kitchen for years. This chicken version is a family favorite and for good reason – it uses simple ingredients, easy prep, a great recipe for a rotisserie chicken, and is endlessly customizable. 

How To Make Cheesy Chicken Tater Tot Casserole (Printable Recipe Card)

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13 casserole dish or baking dish with nonstick spray.

In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, mixed vegetables, condensed soups, and ranch seasoning packet until thoroughly combined. Evenly spread the mixture into the prepared casserole dish. 

Sprinkle the shredded cheese over top the chicken mixture. 

Arrange the frozen tater tots in an even layer, in rows, making sure they are snug but not stacked on top of each other. 

Bake for 40-45 minute or until browned and bubbly on the sides. 

Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving hot. Enjoy!

Substitutions & Ingredients Notes

• Shredded Chicken : Use leftover chicken, use shredded rotisserie chicken from the store, or you can boil chicken breasts in chicken broth on the stove top. I like to throw some boneless, skinless chicken breasts into the slow cooker, with some chicken stock, and let it cook on LOW heat for 6-7 hours. The chicken is so tender and easily shreds with just a touch of a fork. Whatever way you cook the chicken, make sure it reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F before removing it and shredding it. I don’t recommend using canned chicken or the ready-to-use chicken packs from the store, because they are saltier. The chicken can be shredded or cut into bite-sized pieces. 
• Frozen Veggies : These can be replaced with your favorite frozen veggie pack; corn, green beans, peas, carrots, etc. Or use a mixed variety. 
• Condensed Soups : I would recommend sticking with the cheddar cheese soup for that cheesy factor, however, you could substitute the cream of mushroom with cream of chicken soup, cream of celery,  or another variety you like. 
• Ranch Seasoning : If using homemade ranch seasoning mix you will need 3 tablespoons. 
• Cheddar Cheese : Sharp, medium, or mild cheddar cheese can all be used. Or try Pepper Jack for some spice, or Colby Jack is another great alternative to cheddar. 
• Tater Tots : These come in regular size, round (called crowns I think), or mini tater tots. Choose whichever one you prefer. 

Recipe FAQs

Do I Have To Include The Vegetables Or Can I Leave Them Out?

Sure! If you don’t want the vegetables in the casserole then just omit them entirely or use one that you like. Other options include frozen corn, frozen peas, carrots, or green beans. If you want less vegetables then try using half of the bag instead of the full bag. 

Can I Prepare This Casserole Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can prepare everything up to the baking step, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator for 24-48 hours before baking. 

​Try These Other Tater Tot Casserole Recipes

• Taco Tater Tot Casserole
• Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole
• BBQ Beef Tater Tot Casserole
• Buffalo Ranch Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
• Pepperoni Pizza Tater Tot Casserole (Ground Italian Sausage)